Shocking! In this matriarchal society, every man wants to marry me!

"Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor!" Zhong Tian knelt on the ground and kowtowed respectfully, but he was somewhat flustered. Where was Xia Muning?

"Zhongqing, get up!"

Jiang Yuxiao looked at the cotton doll in her hand, which looked quite similar to her deceased Xia Guijun.

Zhong Tian's tense gaze shifted to the cotton doll. Xia Muning quite liked this cotton doll and had made many of them, placing them in various places throughout the Zhong residence. She said that seeing them would bring joy to anyone who looked at them. Zhong Tian also liked them quite a bit, so he didn't object.

The Zhong family usually doesn't have any important guests visiting. Who would have thought that His Majesty would come to Zhong Tian's residence? This is unreasonable!

"This cotton doll is quite exquisite," Jiang Yu said with a smile.

"This is my husband's cooking."

"Where is your husband?" Jiang Yu asked with a smile. "Your husband is quite renowned for his virtue."

Xia Muning must be hiding. Zhong Tian felt relieved; His Majesty probably hadn't seen Xia Muning yet.

Just as Nakata was pondering how to answer, Shishu knelt on the ground and respectfully replied.

"Your Majesty, our lord took the young lady to worship Buddha yesterday and has already sent word that he will be back soon."

Jiang Yuxiao nodded.

She was the queen, and Nakata was her subject; she was a woman, and Nakata's husband was a married man.

There is a distinction between ruler and subject, and between men and women. Even if Nakata's husband returns, he cannot appear before His Majesty without being summoned. She only asked about it casually when she saw the cotton doll.

"Zhongqing, has the matter been settled?"

Seeing that His Majesty had changed the subject, Nakata hurriedly informed His Majesty of the situation he had gathered.

"Your Majesty, I have another matter to report!"

His Majesty's previously calm expression was beginning to show signs of an impending outburst.

Do you know who wrote that article?

"That person did not inform us."

"Quickly find out who the person whose identity was stolen is and bring them back to me!"

"Yes!"

After the matter was finished, His Majesty still hadn't gotten up to leave.

Zhong Tian immediately had a flash of inspiration: "If Your Majesty does not mind, may you stay at Zhong's residence for a few days? I will certainly take good care of Your Majesty's daily life."

His Majesty nodded with an air of superiority: "...Very well!"

Zhongtian felt a bitter taste in her mouth. Her agreement was a last resort. His Majesty's meaning was clear: if Zhongtian pretended to be crazy today, she would be punished tomorrow for stepping into the Ministry of Revenue with her left foot.

His Majesty's stay at the Zhong residence is a supreme honor for others, but for Zhong Tian, ​​it is not a glorious event at all. On the contrary, it is a troublesome matter that requires him to be fearful and cautious from beginning to end.

Everything had to be brand new, not only comfortable but also expensive. The maids had to be clever and discreet. The guards were unprepared; they were all His Majesty's private guards. If Zhongtian got even slightly close, he would be questioned.

As Zhongtian was listening to Master Li explain His Majesty's dietary habits and daily dietary restrictions, a servant from the palace suddenly rushed back.

This man was Xia Muning's personal attendant. Ever since Zhong Tian had some money, he had hired many servants for Xia Muning to take care of his daily life. Shi Shu became the head steward of the Zhong family.

"Master, the lord has fallen off the sedan chair!"

Zhongtian's expression changed, and he hurriedly asked Master Li for leave: "Master Li, please bear with me. I'm going to see my husband. If His Majesty asks, please put in a good word for me."

"Alright." Master Li nodded, and Zhongtian hurriedly left.

Master Li's face revealed a meaningful expression.

Zhong Tian hurried towards the temple. The temple had rooms specifically for worshippers. Xia Muning, noticing the slight beads of sweat on Zhong Tian's forehead, said with some concern, "Why are you in such a rush?"

"You're injured, how can I not be worried!"

"I just twisted my ankle slightly, it's nothing serious. I know what I'm doing, and I did it on purpose."

Zhongtian had a premonition in his heart that such a coincidence was impossible.

Zhongtian picked up Xia Muning's ankle, warmed it with his hands, and gently poured on some medicinal wine to rub it in.

“Mu Ning, let’s be honest with His Majesty! You’re already married and have a child. His Majesty is a wise ruler with three thousand beauties in his harem. He wouldn’t do something like stealing another man’s husband. I always feel sorry for you as we hide and live in fear.”

"...Let's wait a few days." Xia Muning had other plans in mind.

"His Majesty is staying at our residence for the next few days, which is inconvenient for him. It is not appropriate for you to stay in this temple."

"Ah..." Xia Muning was startled: "Then where do I live?"

"Go to Wudao Temple, go to Xunlexing Creek."

"……it is good."

……

Back at the Zhong residence, Zhong Tian summoned Xi Chun.

She wrote down everything she had read from the mysterious woman. Although Nakata didn't have a great memory, she still managed to memorize the beginning.

"Go to our library and ask if this article was written by one of our students."

"Yes, Master."

That night, Xichun received the news. "The master is the one who wrote the essay at our academy."

"who is it?"

"Shen Qingyu, this is her essay for the provincial examination."

"The provincial examination? Wasn't that a few years ago? How are her essays now?"

"Great progress!"

"Call her!"

"Yes."

This was Shen Qingyu's first time entering the Zhong family mansion. She had never seen such towering buildings and painted beams before, only low houses and her parents' sorrowful faces.

Xichun could tell: "The master is a very good person, don't be nervous."

"Yes"

Zhongtian was indeed a very kind person. She noticed Shen Qingyu's unease and said softly, "Shen Qingyu, I also come from a poor background. I used to work as a porter at the docks to make a living."

"Shen Qingyu, your opportunity just hasn't arrived yet. Now it has!"

“I have something to tell you,” Nakata began slowly.

Shen Qingyu's face was tense, but her palms trembled slightly, and her eyes were red with anger: "Lord Zhong, could you allow me to leave for a while?"

"I doubt it will work, because His Majesty wants to see you!"

Zhongtian understood that Shen Qingyu was somewhat out of control and needed an outlet for her emotions, but that wouldn't work. His Majesty would know as soon as Shen Qingyu entered the manor! Just now, Master Li came over and said that His Majesty was waiting for her!

Shen Qingyu felt like she was about to shatter.

This morning she was a student buried in her studies at the academy, this afternoon she met the wealthy Zhong Tian, ​​and now she's about to rise to the top and go directly to meet His Majesty.

"Don't be nervous! His Majesty is going to test your writing himself. This is your chance to rise to the top."

"it is good."

Shen Qingyu nodded solemnly.

A person only has a few opportunities in their life, and if they don't seize them, they will never come again.

"I'll wait for you outside."

it is good.

Master Li knocked on the door from the outside, and then personally escorted Shen Qingyu to His Majesty.

Zhongtian and Master Li were waiting outside.

Master Li had always been silent in front of His Majesty, and rarely even spoke when he was not needed. She never spoke to Zhong Tian, ​​as if they had never met. But today she suddenly spoke.

"Lord Zhong, there is something I regret."

"what's up?"

“At that time, I should have brought Xia Muning before His Majesty and let His Majesty decide. As a mere mortal, what right do you think I have to complain on His Majesty's behalf? Tell me, Lord Zhong, am I stupid or not!”